VICTORIA – Ann Squires Ferguson has been named Chamber Member of the Year for 2023 by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.    

"I am beyond grateful for this honour — it is overwhelming to be recognized by so many who I hold in such high esteem,” said Squires Ferguson, CEO of Western Design + Build and a Chamber Board member. “This year has held many challenges for me personally, with a bout of ovarian cancer, and, through it all, I have been buoyed by every kind word of encouragement, every thoughtful gift, every act of support. Our business community is an incredible example of true connection, generosity and compassion. Their collective optimism has carried me through.”

Squires Ferguson has been a passionate voice as The Chamber strives to achieves its vision of being the region’s most diverse and influential business association.

“I do want to honour our local business leaders’ commitment to the important work that The Chamber is doing around Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advancement and with the Indigenous Reconciliation Roundtable,’ she said. “When we lift each other up, when we all come together, our whole community is so much stronger, more vibrant and resilient."

The Chamber Member of the Year award, sponsored by Air Canada, recognizes an individual who has served as a volunteer at The Chamber, has taken an active role with the board or committees, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business.

Western Design + Build won in the category of Business Leadership at the 2017 Greater Victoria Business Awards.

Squires Ferguson was elected to The Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2021, and serves on The Chamber’s Ambassador committee as well as The Chamber’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) committee.

“Ann has been an incredible resource for our board and committees,” Chamber Chair John Wilson says. “She is in-tune with the times during a period of profound change and we’re lucky to have someone who is so passionate and committed to making sure we show leadership in ensuring we have a great community for all.”

“Ann has inspired us all with her resilience in managing her cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as her ongoing insightful and thoughtful input to her Chamber role” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

The recipient of The Chamber’s Award of Distinction, which honours a Chamber member for outstanding leadership and innovation, will be announced in January. Recipients are chosen for inspiring others and adding resilience to Greater Victoria’s economy.

Give the Gift of Recognition this holiday season by nominating a business or business leader for the 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards. Nominations for 12 categories are open now until Jan. 18, 2023. From innovation to sustainability to being an outstanding workplace, nominating a business you love, own or work for is fast and easy. For more information, go to victoriachamber.ca/business-awards.
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at: victoriachamber.ca.

Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communications
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca

VICTORIA, BC – Helping people gain the skills needed to find success and contribute to Greater Victoria’s workforce is vital to ensuring our region’s economy remains robust for years to come.

It’s been a central theme of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce since it was founded in 1863 and will remain a focus as the organization celebrates its 160th anniversary next year.

“Chamber leadership feels strongly about making a difference that is tangible as well as aspirational, so we’re proud to announce the new 1863 Impact Award for post-secondary students,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Investing in ambitious and motivated students is one way we can make a positive contribution to a person’s life. Doing so also helps that person gain the skills and tools needed to one day join the business community and help build a better community.”

A total of $160,000 will be distributed over a multi-year term to establish entrance awards for post-secondary students, with the University of Victoria receiving $90,000, Camosun College getting $45,000 and Royal Roads University $25,000. Each school will manage the selection of award recipients as well as the specific timing of their process. In 2023, 13 students who meet the criteria will receive awards, which will be available for many years to come.

UVic, Camosun and Royal Roads expressed gratitude for the value placed on education by The Chamber.
“At UVic, we're committed to contributing to a better future for people, places and the planet,” UVic President and Vice-Chancellor Kevin said. “This commitment aligns closely with The Chamber's work to support business leaders and ensure growth and prosperity in Southern Vancouver Island. Your vision and leadership in the community has helped to propel aspiring leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.”
 
“Camosun programs provide real-life, experiential education for all learners,” Camosun College President Dr. Lane Trotter said. “The college is committed to working together and building a great community for all. Thank you to The Chamber for inspiring life-changing learning for Camosun students. Awards like this help to reduce the barriers to education so many students face across the region.”
 
“The road to completing a university education is never easy," RRU President Philip Steenkamp said. “Helping out students with these awards is a wonderful way to mark this special anniversary for the Victoria Chamber and the funds will make someone’s journey at Royal Roads be the life-changing, world-expanding, change-making experience it should be.”

 
Greater Victoria Chamber 1863 Impact Award
Amount per award: $2,000
​Number of awards: Varies by institution (University of Victoria, Camosun College, Royal Roads University)​
Application period:

1. UVic: Feb. 15 to April 30
2. Camosun: May 1 – Aug. 1
3. Royal Roads: June 1 – Aug. 1
   

Each post-secondary will be responsible for judging and selecting the award recipients.

General Eligibility
The award is open to all students beginning their studies at: the University of Victoria, Camosun College, or Royal Roads University.  
Each post-secondary institution will have slightly different criteria; however, preference is given to the following:

1. Student(s) who are dependents of a current member of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
2. Student(s) who self-identify as belonging to an under-represented group or groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity
3. Student(s) who demonstrate financial need.

For more information on the Greater Victoria Chamber 1863 Impact Award, including how to apply or contribute, go to victoriachamber.ca/ impact-award.
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and
great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at: victoriachamber.ca.


Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Senior Manager Strategic Communications and Policy
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca